The photos and videos shown here may be of a different model, model year or body type from the one selected. The ratings of one vehicle often apply to other models if they are built on the same platform. In addition, a test of a vehicle from one model year may apply to earlier or later model years if the vehicle hasn't been significantly redesigned.

Applies to 2010-13 models

Important: Frontal crash test ratings should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

The Kia Forte was introduced in the 2010 model year as a replacement for the Kia Spectra.

Two tests of a 2010 Kia Forte were conducted. In the first test, forces recorded on the dummy's head and neck were high, leading to a Marginal head/neck injury rating and a Marginal overall rating. In response, Kia modified the airbag control computer to deploy the side curtain airbag, in addition to the frontal airbag, in certain frontal crashes beginning with cars manufactured after January 2010. Kia initiated a service campaign to reprogram the airbag control computer on all 2010 models produced before the change was made on the production line.

In the second test of a car built after the modifications were in place, the driver side curtain airbag deployed during the crash, and forces on the neck were low. However, forces on the head were still elevated.

The evaluation of the Forte is based on the second test, except for the structural rating, which is based both tests.

Injury measures

In the second test, measures taken from the neck, chest, and both legs indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the head when the dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the airbag indicate that head injuries would be possible.

Restraints and dummy kinematics

Dummy movement was well controlled in both tests. During rebound in the second test, the dummy's head contacted the driver side curtain airbag.

The Kia Forte was introduced in the 2010 model year as a replacement for the Kia Spectra. Beginning with 2011 models, Kia made design changes to the side curtain airbags and side structure to improve occupant protection in side impact crashes. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Kia as part of side crash test verification. The car tested was a 2010 model that incorporated all the design changes included in the 2011 models.

Injury measures

Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Passenger — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a left femur fracture would be possible in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low.

Head protection

Driver — The dummy's head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof and a side thorax airbag that deployed from the seat.

Passenger — The dummy's head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.

Applies to 2010-13 models built after October 2009

Overall evaluation

G

Curb weight

2,859 lbs

Peak force

13,084 lbs

Strength-to-weight ratio

4.58

Tested vehicle

2010 Kia Forte SX 4-door

Roof strength test ratings can be compared across vehicle categories.

In the test, the strength of the roof is determined by pushing a metal plate against one side of it at a slow but constant speed. The force applied relative to the vehicle's weight is known as the strength-to-weight ratio. This graph shows how the ratio varied as the test of this vehicle progressed. The peak strength-to-weight ratio recorded at any time before the roof is crushed 5 inches is the key measurement of roof strength.

A good rating requires a strength-to-weight ratio of at least 4. In other words, the roof must withstand a force of at least 4 times the vehicle's weight before the plate crushes the roof by 5 inches. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. For a marginal rating, it is 2.5. Anything lower than that is poor.